Impression cytology of the ocular surface and tear function in patients with periocular vitiligo.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the ocular surface and tear function in patients with periocular vitiligo in this prospective, case-control study.

METHODS

Sixty eyes of 30 vitiligo patients with periocular involvement and 100 eyes of 50 control subjects were included in the study. Patients and control subjects were compared for Schirmer test and tear film break-up time (BUT) results and impression cytology findings graded according to Nelson's classification.

RESULTS

The mean BUT value was 9.5 ± 4.1 seconds in patients with periocular vitiligo and 13.1 ± 4.2 seconds in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.005). Thirty-seven eyes (61.7%) in the vitiligo group and 28 eyes (28.0%) in the control group had BUT values less than 10 seconds (p<0.001). The mean Schirmer test value was 14.6 ± 4.3 mm in patients with periocular vitiligo and 15.1 ± 4.4 mm in the control group (p>0.05). Nineteen eyes (31.7%) in patients with periocular vitiligo and 8 eyes (8.0%) in the control group had grade 2-3 changes according to Nelson's classification (p<0.001). Three eyes (5.0%) in the periocular vitiligo group and none of the eyes in the control group had inflammation signs in the impression cytology analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with periocular vitiligo, ocular surface and tear function alterations may occur. Further studies on ocular surface involvement in periocular vitiligo patients may help to increase understanding of the pathophysiology of vitiligo.